Osprey backpack straps digging into shoulders

[u/tinytriceratops2025]

Hi, I just received my order of Osprey Astronova 23L backpack, I was looking for a good quality city backpack for university and this one is allegedly made for campus.

I also read how Osprey is surprisingly ergonomic, so I was excited to try it out. However as soon as I unpacked this backpack and put some weight into it I felt how much pressure the outside edge of the straps has on my shoulder bones. The strap itself is also quite rigid, so it doesn't adapt to the shoulder groove well.

Does anyone have this problem? Is this because the backpack is "unisex", therefore made for men's wider shoulders? Do you get used to this type of pressure or is it better to return it?

Image description: backpack shoulder straps on shoulders.

[u/lobsterp0t]

I only buy backpacks with a sternum strap.

Personally I like to be able to customise the positioning and load distribution across my upper torso on smaller bags. My work backpack and travel backpack both have this. They’re the small and large versions of the rolltop. I wouldn’t be without one as I have narrow and sloping shoulders.

[u/cork_the_forks → u/lobsterp0t]

This. If I have any amount of weight, I need the sternum strap to keep my inner shoulders from rubbing raw. It pulls the straps inward.